Man Utd v Man City: United revival to be put to the test

That fixture schedule has allowed United boss Erik ten Hag to boost confidence but his team will step out at Old Trafford as 16/5 underdogs even though City have faltered recently.

They lost 2-0 at Southampton in the Carabao Cup in midweek but put out a weakened team, while they also drew at home to Everton on New Year’s Eve and lost to Brentford prior to the World Cup break.

The visitors will still be a popular pick at 4/5 in the Manchester United v Manchester City odds though as boss Pep Guardiola puts out his strongest line-up.

‘Ridiculous’ Pep talk

What exactly is City’s strongest team in the mind of Guardiola is open to debate. The Spaniard has been accused of over-thinking his tactics in big games and hinted he had something up his sleeve when speaking ahead of the Southampton game.

“I would like to arrive against United with the average of minutes in the legs of the players quite similar because I have a few ideas, thoughts, ridiculous ones against United,” he said.

It is unclear what Guardiola is planning but Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland will almost certainly return to the starting line-up after coming off the bench against Southampton.

History on City’s side

Guardiola does not need to change too much based on recent meetings, with City coming out on top in the last three Manchester derbies.

They did the double on the way to winning the title last season as their 2-0 victory at Old Trafford was followed by a 4-1 win at the Etihad Stadium.

The most recent contest was in October when City cruised to a 6-3 win which was more dominant than the full-time score suggested.

United restored some pride with Anthony Martial’s late double but Phil Foden and Haaland had already bagged hat-tricks for City, who were 4-0 up at half-time.

City to win by more than one goal for the fourth successive meeting looks good value at 21/10 in the Manchester United v Manchester City betting odds, while City are 19/10 to be leading at both half-time and full-time.

City to win and both teams to score for a third successive meeting is 9/4.

Can United halt Haaland?

United’s defence has been performing well in recent weeks, conceding just one goal in six matches since the season resumed after the World Cup.

Luke Shaw has impressed as a makeshift centre-back but his lack of height could be exposed by Haaland, who has an incredible 27 goals in all competitions and also provided the assists for two of Foden’s goals in October.

Haaland is 3/1 to score at least two goals this weekend, 23/20 to net in a City win or 9/4 to score more goals than United.

Other options which would have paid out in October include 11/2 for Haaland to score in both halves and 14/1 for him to score and have an assist

Rashford gives United hope

Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure from Manchester United arguably left the team short of potential match-winners but the form of Marcus Rashford means the Portuguese superstar has not been missed.

In fact, it could be said that Rashford has improved for becoming the main man up front for United. Either way, his recent goalscoring statistics have been impressive.

After two seasons of struggle, the 25-year-old has rediscovered his form and has scored in each of his last six appearances, registering seven goals in all.

He has provided plenty of important contributions throughout the season, including winners against Liverpool, Arsenal, Omonia Nicosia and West Ham, while his midweek double against Charlton saw him become the first United player since Wayne Rooney in March 2010 to score in eight consecutive home appearances.

Looking at the Manchester United v Manchester City betting odds, Rashford is 23/10 to extend his scoring run on Saturday while he is 13/2 to grab what could prove to be the all-important last goal of the match.

In the #YourCall specials, Rashford and Haaland both to score is priced at 5/1.